DUI penalties stiffer as new law becomes effective May 12

By PATSY STODDARDEditor

This year in the Utah legislature the periods for penalties for suspension of driver license privileges have become longer. Senate Bill 272 becomes effective on May 12. For a first DUI violation, age 21 and older, the current suspension is 90 days, the new suspension will be 120 days.

For the second DUI violation the current suspension is one year and the new suspension will be two years. For a DUI first offense for someone under 21 the suspension was 90 days. The suspension is now the longer of 120 days or 21st birthday. For a second DUI offense for someone under 21, the current suspension is one year, the new suspension will be the longer of two years or 21st birthday.

For someone 21 years or older for a BA (breathalyzer or blood alcohol test) refusal the current suspension stays the same at 18 months; for a second BA refusal for a prior suspension the current suspension is 18 months, the new suspension is 36 months. For someone under 21 years the BA refusal first offense is 18 months; the new suspension is the longer of 18 months or the 21st birthday; the second offense for a BA refusal, with a prior suspension is the longer of 36 months or the 21st birthday.

For under 21 an alcohol/drug possession the current suspension is 90 days, the new suspension is one year. For a second alcohol/drug possession the current suspension is six months; the new suspension is two years. The third suspension for drug/alcohol is currently a one year suspension; the new suspension is two years.

For all ages a DUI within the last 18 months will require the installation of an ignition interlock device. All these changes become effective May 12.

When you sign your name to get a driver license you are agreeing that you will consent to a drug alcohol test or a breathalyzer test upon the request of a peace officer. It is a privilege to have a driver license not a right.